Medical Psychology
Common reactions
After experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, it is typical to experience a range of strong physical feelings and emotions. These are normal reactions to an abnormal event.
For many, these symptoms disappear in several weeks, but some people may not develop symptoms until several months later.
Automatic survival
Our body’s automatic survival reactions trigger the fight or flight response in order to react to the danger. The parts of our brains that respond to threat can become overactive – which is why we can feel frightened and on edge, even some time after the event.
It takes time for the sense of danger to subside.
What are the possible symptoms?
- Feeling jumpy, on edge, irritable
- Palpitations (rapid heartbeat)
- Depressed mood
- Emotionally numb
- Poor concentration and, or memory
- Feeling unsafe
- Guilt, blaming yourself
- Fleeting thoughts of harming self or others
- Problems sleeping
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Nightmares
- Intrusive images or ‘flashbacks’
- Shock
- Worrying or racing thoughts
- Getting angry or upset more easily
- Feeling distant from reality
What can I do to help myself?
Establish a routine as soon as possible, particularly those activities that you value.
Try not to over-rely on avoiding difficult thoughts and feelings associated with the event.
Stay connected with people who will support you. Try not to avoid the people you trust. Tell them what you need.
How do I support someone I know?
When somebody has a traumatic injury, it is distressing for everyone involved.
Connect: the person may need time to be alone but keep trying to connect with them on everyday activities.
Listen: to their feelings but do not ask for details of what happened. Do not offer advice.
Ask: do not assume what they need. It might be different from what we think.
Practical: make them a meal, offer them a lift. They may need some flexibility at work.
Further information for carers: https://carerstogether.co.uk
Day One Trauma Support Charity: Telephone: 0300 303 5648
Website: https://dayonetrauma.org
Where can I find more information?
Recovery College Online
Website: https://www.recoverycollegeonline.co.uk
ICU Steps – Intensive Care Patient Support
Website: https://icusteps.org
Day One Trauma Support
Website: https://dayonetrauma.org
It has been over a month and I am not feeling better, what should I do?
If after a month or so your mood worsens and you feel that you cannot cope and need to speak to somebody, you can contact your GP surgery to discuss support available.
Resources specific to your condition
Anyone who is 18 years or over and registered with a GP can access talking therapies for free on the NHS.
Your local Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-a-psychological-therapies-service/
Where can I find support in a crisis?
Help is available 24 hours a day 365 days a year
If you are struggling right now and just simply want someone to talk to
The Samaritans offer a FREE 24-hour confidential telephone Helpline.
Telephone: 116 123
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.samaritans.org
If you feel you are in crisis and worry you are unable to keep yourself safe there is help available.
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
FREEPHONE 0800 0516171
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
or visit:
https://www.tewv.nhs.uk/services/crisis-and-intensive-home-treatment-team/ for further information.
Or ring 999 if you are worried that yourself or somebody else is in danger
Contact us
If you require further information please contact us on:
Telephone: 01642 282708
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]